a period or space of time: a short while
Origin of while
Middle English from Old English hwil, akin to German weile from Indo-European base an unverified form kweye-, to rest from source Classical Latin quies, quiet- during or throughout the time that: we waited while she dined
- at the same time that: while you're up, close the door
- although on the one hand: while he was not poor, he had no ready cash
- whereas; and on the other hand: the walls are green, while the ceiling is white
- North Eng., Archaic until
North Eng., Archaic until
transitive verb
whiled, whil′ing to spend (time) in a pleasant way; cause to pass idly: often with away: to while away the afternoon
Origin of while
< whilethe noun, but meaning prob. infl. by wilewhile Idioms
between whiles
now and then; at intervals
the while
at the same time; during this very time
worth someone's while
worth someone's time, consideration, etc.; profitable in some way
